Cocu Challenges Rams To Maintain Impressive Form

Phillip Cocu wants Derby County to build on their impressive run of form over the festive period.

Derby are unbeaten in four matches in all competitions and have won their last three fixtures on the spin.

A dramatic late equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Wigan Athletic on Boxing Day, scored by Martyn Waghorn, has proved to be something of a turning point for Derby.

Cocu’s side then racked up back-to-back 2-1 wins against Charlton Athletic and Barnsley either side of the New Year at Pride Park Stadium.

Seven points from a possible nine was then backed up with an impressive 1-0 victory at Premier League side Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

Next up is a trip to Jonathan Woodgate’s ever-improving Middlesbrough on Saturday (3pm kick-off) and Cocu says the clash at the Riverside Stadium will prove to be another good test for his players.

“We have to continue in the streak we are in now,” he told RamsTV.

“We know we can do it with a good performance and also a good result.

“It will not be easy because Middlesbrough have won the last couple of games and they are also in a good position at the moment, as well as getting a positive result in the FA Cup, so it will be a good test for us.”

The cup tie at Crystal Palace further strengthened the competition for places across the Derby squad.

Cocu made nine changes in total for the game and those that came into the side produced impressive displays.

The return of Tom Huddlestone after a three-month lay-off with a hamstring injury provided a welcome boost, while Tom Lawrence is available once again following suspension.

On players staking a claim for a place in the side, he said: “It is positive.

“You can see our shape and how we play. then today. If everyone knows what we want and how we want to play and they show good form then we have some good options.

“Some players will hopefully return from injury so there will be even more options.”